Damn Good Sneads Ferry Fishing Charters

The 3/4 and full day trips are designed to provide optimal mobility, and may run from 1 to 40 miles offshore of Topsail Island. Depending on conditions, we will move to multiple locations such as ledges, reefs, and wrecks. This allows us to chase the widest range of species, such as king mackerel, dolphin (mahi mahi), amberjack, barracuda, and the occasional sailfish. These trips are primarily trolling with bait and/or lures. The boat is always moving, which many clients find to be more comfortable than sitting at anchor. We do not currently offer bottom-fishing trips, although in the right conditions we will do some drifts across structure (at the Captain's discretion). This will present some opportunities for jigging or possibly bait dropping. The boat has an overall length of 30', with a large cockpit with plenty of space for fishing action. The pilot house offers a nice place to take an occasional break from the sun or the weather when needed. We are equipped with all the electronics we need for operation on the open ocean, including VHF radio, GPS navigation, depth finder/sonar, and radar. Our safety equipment meets or exceeds the federal charter boat requirements. As far as a head (restroom), we have "rustic" facilities (over the rail or in a pail). On all trips we provide all the fishing rods and reels, tackle, and bait. Everyone 16 or older is required to have their own license (Coastal Recreational Fishing Licence - CRFL) which can be purchased online from the NC Wildlife website. Per NC law, folks under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times. We have some smaller life jackets aboard, however in the interest of your comfort, we recommend that you pick one up that provides a good fit and mobility. You should bring plenty of water as well as other drinks and snacks you would like to have. For the longer trips, it's a good idea to pack something for lunch. The ocean can really take a lot out of you, and you need to be ready to put it back. We are fine with alcohol, so feel free to pack some beer. However, we do ask that you not smoke or vape aboard. Of course, we also highly recommend packing sunscreen and protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, etc.). That sun can be brutal, especially on our hot, summer days. Seasickness medicine is also a great idea if you aren't sure how your body will react to rolling on the waves. With the over-the-counter medicines, such as Dramamine and Bonine, it's best to take your first dose the night before the trip, and then take another about an hour before departure. On all of our charters we focus on giving you the best trip possible. While we like to focus on the fish, there's a lot more to enjoy. For example, there's a good bit of history and natural wonder in our area, from pirates to shipwrecks to the geological formation of the beaches and islands. Your Captain grew up here and loves to share, so feel free to ask. And if you've had enough fishing, but there's still time in your trip, we're happy to bring you in early and provide a scenic tour along the Intracoastal Waterway. Our trips are based out of Hampstead, NC, and our normal pick-up location is by the Sloop Point Boating Access area at 613 Lewis Road. However, for customers staying on Topsail Island (including North Topsail and Surf City), we can save you a trip across the bridge and pick you up at the Soundside Park right there on the island at 517 Roland Avenue, Surf City. If you are fortunate enough to be staying at a place with your own accessible boat dock, we can also pick you up right at your doorstep. Just call ahead and we'll go over the arrangements. Our goal is to make this as easy on you as possible. What about special accommodations for less-able people? Please call and let's talk it over. We want to make our trips as accessible as possible, but we do have to face certain realities on a small vessel such as physical space and occasionally rough seas. The Captain is Red Cross certified in First Aid/CPR, but not a medical professional. If you have any questions about someone's medical readiness to go on a boat or fishing the ocean, please check with your doctor first. Make sure to bring any necessary medications or care equipment with you. So, that's about it. We look forward to having you aboard. Let's go fishing! Read More

If you're looking for some exciting offshore fishing, complete with screaming reels and giant fish, you've come to the right place. Captain Justin's Gulfstream Special trip is a must for avid anglers looking to hook up on big-league sportfish, including species such as Tuna, Dorado, Marlin, and Sailfish. The Gulfstream is a major trans-Atlantic current that runs from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Europe. It carries warm weather, rain, and tons of nutrients across the Atlantic. This combination of factors attract tons of bait, which in turn lure giant fish with the promise of a feeding frenzy. If you've never fished this unique and challenging underwater environment, there's no better opportunity. You'll employ a range of techniques and plenty of gear to catch these trophy species, and when one takes the bait—get ready for the fight of a lifetime! On the morning of the trip, you'll head out on Captain Justin's 27' ProLin center console. She's powered by twin 25-HP Suzuki engines, so you'll be out to the fishing grounds in a hurry. On the way, you'll troll for species such as Cobia and Mahi—both great fighters and delicious eating fish to boot! Once you're out deep in the blue, you'll troll at different depths to attract various species of fish. When a big Sailfish or Tuna whacks that bait, be ready! Captain Justin will be prepared with everything you need for a blue-ribbon day, including rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, his years of experience hunting champion pelagic predators. To make the most of your experience on the water, make sure to bring Polarized Sunglasses, Weather-Appropriate Clothing, Hat, and Sunscreen. Get ready to have a blast! Read More

Get ready to explore the various bottomfishing options on the beautiful waters off of Wrightsville Beach, NC with Captain Jason! This trip is perfect for those looking to tackle a wide variety of species, especially fun and hard-fighting North Carolina deep-water targets such as Black Drum, Black Seabass, Sheepshead, Red Snappers, and Grunt. This trip will focus on jigging and bottomfishing for stubborn, bottom-dwelling fish. Once these lunkers take that bait, get ready for a great fight! Captain Jason knows how to put you where the fish are, but once that rod is in your hands, it's you versus the fish. Bring your strength, skills and stamina, because these fish will be on their A-game. You'll get off the dock aboard your guide's 26' Seahunt center console—a great type of boat for fishing everything around Wrightsville Beach. It's powered by twin Yamaha engines, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Jason will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Looking for a fun-filled fishing trip for the kids near Wilmington, NC? Look no further than this kid-friendly charter! Captain G's mission is to provide a fantastic experience for kids between 4 and 13 years old. Although adults can fish too, he'll prioritize catering to the kids' needs and making sure they have the time of their lives. On this trip, you'll head up to 2 miles offshore, where you'll use light tackle to bottom fish and catch a variety of species. Catch and release is a must on this trip, so we can preserve the fish population and the ecosystem. Our goal is to keep the kids engaged and excited throughout the trip, so expect to be busy with all the catches they'll reel in! We promise to make this a memorable experience for everyone involved, with plenty of laughter and fun on board. So, whether your kids are experienced anglers or beginners, our specialized charter is the perfect choice for a day of fishing that they'll never forget. Book your trip today and let us show your kids the time of their lives! Read More

If you've been looking for a big-time fishing adventure out of Wilmington, NC, then this trip with Captain Joe has your name on it! With 4, 6, and 8-hour options, you can do it all, whether you want to stick to inshore fishing or venture further off and go after some bigger species. The North Carolina coast is rich fishery, and has a variety of habitats where you can catch everything from Spanish Mackerel to Bluefish, Barracuda, and King Mackerel! Captain Joe has been running trips here for decades, and he knows this water extremely well. Whatever species you want to target, he'll set you up with the right bait and tackle so that you can come home with a trophy, fill your cooler with keepers, or both! On this trip, you'll use different techniques depending on the season, water conditions, and your target species. That will typically include trolling, drifting, and classic light-tackle cast-and-retrieve techniques. Let Captain Joe what you're looking for, and he's there to help you get after it! You'll be fishing aboard his 26' Seafox center console, an ideal boat for all kinds of water. She's driven by a 300-HP Yamaha, and is decked out with electronics, gear, and amenities to keep you fishing hard all day. Captain Joe will supply everything you need, so just pack a snack and some sunscreen, and you'll be set to go! Read More

Head out with Captain Joe and get ready for an exciting day of fly fishing in the fish-rich North Carolina inshores! Inshore fishing trips in the waters throughout Beaufort are a great way for anglers to chase after some exceptional game catches without going too far from the dock. These inshore and nearshore waters are home to a nice selection of popular Mid-Atlantic varieties. On this 3/4 or full-day trip, Captain Joe will take you from Beaufort to neashore areas just off the coast, or inshore areas like the Beaufort Inlet, the Bogue Sound, the Core Sound, the Newport River, or the North River. In these waters you'll be going after Bluefish, Little Tunny, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Speckled Trout. All you'll need is a fly rod to target these colorful species of fish. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fly fisher, Captain Joe will give you some helpful guidance to get you ready to cast away! You'll be fishing aboard a 23’ Sea Ox center console with a capacity for 5 people. Equipped with a 150 HP Honda engine, this boat will get you where the fish are biting! It comes with a bimini top, a fish finder, and live well to let you cruise in comfort. Captain Joe will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and any snacks or drinks you might need. Book your trip and let Captain Joe take care of the rest! Read More

Get ready to explore the inshore and nearshore waters off of Morehead City, NC with Captain Jeffrey! This trip is perfect for those looking to tackle a wide variety of species, from classic North Carolina inshore sportfish such as Redfish and Spotted Trout, alongside hard-fighting nearshore fish such as Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Flounder, Bluefish, and Striped Bass. This trip will focus on trolling and bottomfishing for a huge range of species, so you'll get to put a bunch of different techniques to use. Captain Jeffrey knows how to put you where the fish are, but once that rod is out of the rod holder and in your hands, it's you versus the fish. Bring your strength, skills and stamina, because these fish will be on their A-game. You'll get off the dock aboard your guide's 24' Carolina Skiff—a great type of boat for fishing everything from flats to estuaries to nearshore structure. It's powered by a 200 HP Suzuki engine, so you'll be on the fish in no time at all. Captain Jeffrey will come prepared with everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. He's an expert in these waters and will do everything he can to get you hooked up on a personal best! Bring along proper clothing, sunscreen, and a pair of polarized sunglasses to maximize your time on the water. Read More

Head out with Captain Judson and get ready for an exciting day of fishing for Speckled Trout without going too far from the dock! While the southern coast of North Carolina is known for having great offshore fishing, the nearshore fishing is just as exciting. These inshores and nearshores are flush with shipwrecks and artificial reefs that are harder to find in the Northern areas of the coast. These areas are known to have plenty of Speckled Trout year-round. Wilmington is the most popular spot in this area and is home to various fishing tournaments throughout the year. It's safe to say the fishing here will make for a great trip! On this 4, 6, or 8-hour trip, Captain Judson will take you from Ogden to the shallow water flats, backwaters, and creeks of the Cape Fear River off the coast of North Carolina where you'll be going after Bluefish and Speckled Trout. You'll be using a couple of different methods to catch these eye-catching fish including light tackle, bottom fishing, and trolling. Captain Judson knows these waters like the back of his hand and is sure to get you where the fish are biting! You'll be fishing aboard a 17’ Maverick skiff boat with a capacity for 6 people. Equipped with a 125 HP Yamaha engine, this boat is maneuverable and will get you to even hard to reach spots in the inshore and nearshore areas. This vessel comes with a trolling motor, elevated casting platforms, a push-pole and a power-pole to let you get those perfect casts! Captain Judson will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait. Cold waters and a cooler full of ice will be on board with enough room to store your own food and drinks. All you need to bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and any snacks or drinks you might need. Even if the weather does not show rain, a rain jacket is recommended. Come aboard and Captain Judson will make sure you get some picture-worthy fish! Read More

We offer inshore and deep sea fishing trips out of Morehead City, NC. Conveniently located for visitors to the Crystal Coast (Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort), we provide a wide variety of charter adventures that will take you to some of the best offshore Gulfstream fishing year round with the most plentiful catches during the spring, summer and fall. Enjoy reeling in Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin. Or, book an inshore trip to catch Kings, Spanish, Cobia or many other inshore species. Our experienced crew will make sure you have a comfortable, enjoyable trip and plenty of fish in the box! Read More

The NC inshore is prime territory if you want to hook up big-league Redfish! Join Captain Justin on the inshore waters off of Sealevel, NC, and search for big Reds, Speckled Trout, and even Flounder—all at night! At night, fish behave very differently, and many become more aggressive feeders once the sun sets. You'll chase these fish using classic light-tackle techniques and a combination of live bait and lures. Redfish are one of America's most popular saltwater gamefish for a reason, and they're a blast to catch for seasoned anglers and novices alike. You'll be fishing from Captain Justin's fast, comfortable 27' ProLine center console. She's powered by twin Suzuki engines with a combined 500 horsepower. This versatile boat is perfect for fishing the different conditions around Sealevel, and is super comfortable as well. On board, Captain Justin has a fishfinder, GPS, a live well, and an ice box for your catch! On this adventure, all you need to bring is some appropriate clothing, food, and drinks. There's no sunscreen needed on this night trip. Captain Josh will provide everything else including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Everything you catch on this adventure will be released to protect the delicate balance of the estuary. This trip should be incredible! Read More

If you're looking for some exciting offshore fishing, complete with screaming reels and giant fish, you've come to the right place. Captain Ashley's Bluewater Special is a must for avid anglers looking to hook up on prizewinning sportfish, including species such as Amberjack, Kingfish, Barracuda, Snappers, and more! On the 8-hour option, you'll be catching a range of close offshore species on the troll and on the bottom. On the 11-hour option, your targets expand to include Mahi, Wahoo and other pelagic predators. Let Captain Ashley be your guide to the Gulfstream, a major trans-Atlantic current that lures giant fish with the promise of a feeding frenzy. If you've never fished this unique and challenging underwater environment, there's no better opportunity. You'll employ a range of techniques and plenty of gear to catch these fish, and when one takes the bait—get ready for the fight of a lifetime! On the morning of the trip, you'll head out on his 50' Buddy Davis Custom Carolina, a sportfisher built for speed, performance, and comfort. She's powered by twin 735 HP Detroit engines, so you won't have to cruise for more than a couple of hours before you reach the prime fishing grounds and start haulin' 'em in. On the way, cross your fingers for a Dorado or Cobia! Captain Ashley will be prepared with everything you need for a blue-ribbon day, including rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, his years of experience hunting champion pelagic predators. To make the most of your experience on the water, make sure to bring Polarized Sunglasses, Weather-Appropriate Clothing, Hat, and Sunscreen. Get ready to have a blast! Read More

There's no better way to experience the natural beauty of North Carolina's Crystal Coast than a fishing charter with Captain Bradley! As you board Captain Bradley's 20' C-Hawk center console and head out towards the nearshore waters of the Atlantic, you'll be surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and the crystal-clear waters of the ocean. On this trip, you'll be chasing Kingfish, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Speckled Trout—all super fun species for anglers of all levels. As a retired commercial fisherman, Captain Bradley is a genuine expert who knows how to put you on the fish! Whether you're a pro or a beginner, you'll be in good hands on this trip. Captain Bradley will provide everything you need for an awesome day, so you can focus on the fishing. Children of all ages are welcome. Starting times are flexible as well. All you need to bring is your sun protection, your favorite snacks and drinks, and Captain Bradley will take care of the rest! Read More